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Peralta Supporters Demand Streep Show Up in Court

Mon, 01/18/2021 - 09:37
Friends and family members joined David Peralta, center, on Thursday in calling for Charles Streep to appear in court in person.
Christine Sampson

David Peralta, the Springs teenager injured last August in what police called a "road rage" incident, stood with a dozen or so family members and friends Thursday morning across the street from the Pondview Lane house in East Hampton Village where Charles Streep lives part time. The group demanded that Mr. Streep, who faces both civil and criminal charges in the incident, "show up" in person next time the case comes up in East Hampton Town Justice Court.

"Justice for David!" the group shouted.

"Take it seriously!"

"Stop hiding!"

An unidentified man in a long black coat stood at the foot of the driveway, apparently filming the small rally on a cellphone, while a virtual conference was underway in court to determine the next steps in the criminal case. Mr. Streep's physical presence before a judge has not been required as yet, though he did make a virtual appearance at a previous session.

In November, the initial felony assault and strangulation charges against him were reduced to misdemeanors. All the charges, criminal and civil, stem from an Aug. 24 altercation in the Chase Bank parking lot off Main Street in the village, which left Mr. Peralta, now 19, needing emergency brain surgery.

An assistant prosecutor from the county district attorney's office on Thursday met virtually with Mr. Streep's defense lawyers, Andrew Weinstein and Brian DeSesa, and Town Justice Steven Tekulsky, to discuss the county's case against Mr. Streep.

At this point in the discovery process, the D.A. is obliged to turn over evidence against the defendant to his attorneys. Edmond Chakmakian, who is representing Mr. Peralta in the civil case, reported there was cooperation between the two sides at the hearing.

He confirmed that both the D.A. and the defendant asked for adjournment. Justice Tekulsky agreed, and set the next court date for April 29, saying he believed it might well be in-person at that time.

Mr. Weinstein declined comment on either the court conference or the congregation of supporters across the street from the house on Pondview Lane, which is owned by members of the Streep family. Mr. Streep is a nephew of the actress Meryl Streep.  

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